Real Madrid Targets Rapid Response Against Villarreal as Militao Returns

The hosts face selection strain in defense after injuries to multiple starters.

Overview

Real Madrid sits one point behind Barcelona after a 5-2 derby loss to Atlético that cost them the LaLiga lead.
Éder Militão rejoined full training and is expected to be available against Villarreal following his knock in the derby.
Defensive absences persist with Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Antonio Rüdiger sidelined and Ferland Mendy still working separately.
Madrid comes off a 5-0 Champions League win at Kairat Almaty, where Kylian Mbappé scored a hat trick to reach 13 goals this season.
Villarreal visits on a strong run with three straight league wins and a 2-2 draw at Juventus, though Ayoze Pérez and Gerard Moreno are doubtful and Juan Foyth is out.